Tame Those Tresses

That summer sun might feel good, but all those rays can play havoc with your hair.

For one thing, if you color it, sunlight will fade the color, says American Hairlines owner Dave McCormack.

“You should really avoid the sun if at all possible,” he says. Products like Aveda’s sun protection hair veil will help keep the hair color bright while protecting your hair. “You could also tuck that hair under a hat.”

Weeks spent diving through the waves or plunging into a backyard pool is excellent exercise and a great way to cool off on those hot summer days. One pitfall that plagues people who swim regularly is a green tinge that appears in the hair, which is most noticeable on people who have blond hair. Some people blame the chlorine in the water for the green tint, but the real culprit is copper, a common element found in commercial algaecides.

The solution is to find a shampoo that removes or neutralizes the metal. Speak with a salon professional or a supplier of salon products to find the right shampoo for you.

But how to tame the mane on days when the air is heavy with humidity?

Those are the times to use either a humectant if you have curly or wavy hair or an anti-humectant if you have straight hair, says McCormack.

One benefit of those — besides blocking the humidity — is they add shine and luster to your hair. But be careful, a little goes a long way.

“If you use too much (your hair) will look greasy,” he says, recommending a little before and after blow drying your hair.

To keep your hair looking its best, a good rule of thumb is to get your hair trimmed regularly — such as every six weeks — to keep split ends down.

And McCormack says since hair grows faster in summer, don’t be shy about trying a new, shorter style.

“Short hair is always the best in summertime,” he says. “It grows fast in the summer and let it grow out for fall. Shorter styles are popular again.”